Skiing Eyewear

Skiing Eyewear

Proper eyewear is an absolute essential when equipping yourself for a fun and safe time on the ski slopes. A number of design and lens options exist in ski eyewear today. Below, the key aspects of ski eyewear design and function are discussed to help you understand more about this all important piece of skiing equipment.

Design and Materials

Although there are smaller versions on the market, Ski goggles are generally designed to protect both your face and eyes, making most ski goggles large enough to cover much of your face. Whatever the size, ski goggles are made to fit around your eyes in such a way that they will not let in snow, ice or wind that might hinder your vision. These larger goggles are also usually held in place by means of a thick strap that holds the goggles in place.

Smaller designs of ski wear tend to look more like regular sunglasses, with side shields that may or may not be detachable, in order to keep out snow and ice. These designs often feature cable or wraparound legs to keep the goggles in place as you ski.

Ski goggles are often made of softer, more flexible materials than eyeglasses or sunglasses, with the most popular materials being nylon, rubber and propionate. This is because these materials tend not to become misshapen or brittle in the cold, as opposed to other materials such as plastic or glass. These materials are also much better at not injuring you if you should fall or hit something while skiing.

Usually, ski goggles are designed in one piece that may or may not be difficult to wear with glasses. Some ski goggles can easily accommodate a small pair of glasses underneath them, while others may be designed with inserts for prescription lenses that can be custom-made and placed between the goggle lens and your eyes.

Ski Goggle Lenses

Many ski goggles on the market today are fitted with lenses that are an orange-yellow hue, which helps enhance contrast, by blocking blue light. This enhanced contrast helps you see shapes, objects and bumps in the snow more clearly.

Skiing may also be one sport where “seeing the world through rose-colored lenses,” may be a great option! Rose is a great contrast-enhancing alternative to the usual orange-yellow hue.

The best lenses for skiers should provide 100% ultraviolet protection and anti-fogging features such as double lenses, anti-fog coating and wide vents. Nothing is more bothersome and potentially dangerous than skiing with fogged up skiing eyewear, which hinders your ability to see ice patches and obstacles in your way.